Here's a Slideshow of Pictures from our Wedding Anniversary Cruise

Here's the Romantic Anniversary Card Designed by Maria

On May 24, 2008 there was a ballet photo shoot of Maria dancing. The photo shoot was to capture beautiful dancing pictures to add to the romantic 6th wedding anniversary card that Maria was making for her husband.

Although he doesn't care for black and white photography, and we did not use any of the black and white shots in the final product, many of them are quite lovely.

The ballet dancer in these pictures is nearly 48 years old. Her name is Maria. She loves to dance and has been back to dancing for five years now. She was away from ballet for more than 20 years!

The challenges of being an older dancer is adequately warming up the body to avoid injury. Pilates and strength training has made her feel stronger and more confident a dancer in many ways compared to the dancing days of her youth.

The black and white picture above is one of Maria's favorites. It was unfortunate that the top of her head was cut off.

The picture above was another favorite. In fact in appears on this page a number of times (treated with different image effects and colors).

An artistic shot en pointe. The soft pastel colors and lighting make this picture particularly nice.

A great movement shot.(particularly considering the model's left Achilles tendon problem).

An interesting stretch shot en pointe. Would have been nicer if she was more pulled up.

I like this picture except for the arm.

I like this picture a lot. The angle of the body and head. All stretched up and out.

This is one of the best pictures she's ever taken. The lines are absolutely perfect. She looks like a real dancer!

This one is a bit grainy, but nice extension of the leg.

Another beautiful picture. If only her other hand was viewable!

I like this picture a lot and would have loved to use it, but her face wasn't showing. Next time capture it from the other angle.

The above picture was used for the card. One of her best arabesques to date. Still trying to get that back foot winged!

Lovely picture with graceful limbs.

Although she could have been more pulled up, this looks very pretty and ethereal.

This arabesque is better in many ways than the final chosen picture, but the neck looked too strained.

Lovely classic picture, but the rear foot was cut off.

Is she a swan?

Maybe she's trying to take off? (fly...)

Here's a second version of an earlier picture treated with a two-tone effect.

Gorgeous picture, but it's black and white...

Third version of an earlier picture with soft focus added.

Soft focused black and white arabesque. Unfortunately Mr. smiley doesn't like black and white.